Thursday, October 17, 2013

In memory of our Friend, Frances Tenenbaum

The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library and the Cambridge community recently lost a dear friend. Frances Tenenbaum, an award-winning garden writer and one of the original founders of the Friends’ Secret Gardens of Cambridge tour, died in late September at the age of 94.

Frances first became involved with the Friends of the Cambridge Public Library when she was recruited at a used book sale to join the Friends Board.

Former Friends Board President Susan Twarog recalled, “It was one of the best things to happen to the Friends! Almost as soon as she joined the Board, she raised the idea of a garden tour fundraiser.”

It was January 2000, and with Susan as her co-chair, Frances was persistent and committed to making the garden tour happen that spring. It was an amazing success and the Secret Gardens of Cambridge tour has since become the Friends’ signature fundraising event to benefit the Cambridge Public Library. As a respected garden writer and long-time Houghton Mifflin editor, Frances lent not only her expertise and credibility to support of the library community, but also her enthusiasm and wit!

“I loved working with Frances,” Susan remembered. “Those five or six years were great fun. Frances was at least 35 years older than me, but I never felt that -- she was so vibrant, intelligent and funny.”

Frances and Susan co-authored The Secret Gardens of Cambridge book, which offers a bit of history about the beginning of the biennial event and features striking photos of some of the secret gardens that have been revealed as part of the tour.

Frances was an active community member in both Cambridge and Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard, where she was also a seasonal resident. Read more about Frances’s amazing life here in the Vineyard Gazette.

Upcoming CPL Events

9/3/14 - Dr. James Collins explains the physical mechanisms of balance that most of us take for granted; 6:30pm, Main Library Lecture Hall

9/10/14 - Meet Lorenz J. Finison, author of Boston's Cycling Craze, 1880-1900, A Story of Race, Sport, and Society: How Cyclists of All Backgrounds made Boston a Hub of Nineteenth-century Bicycling; 6:30pm, Main Library Lecture Hall

9/15/14 - Join leading children's literature historian Leonard Marcus on the evening of Robert McCloskey's 100th birthday to explore the art of the picture book and the fascinating legacy of the beloved children's author and illustrator; 7pm, Main Library Children's Room

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Shop local and get great discounts!

Don't forget that as a Friend, you can enjoy discounts at local shops that support the library, like Nomad Clothing, Follow the Honey, and more. Just show your Friends of the Cambridge Public Library sticker at the time of purchase toreceiveyour discount.

About The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library!

We are a group of dedicated volunteers who love books, learning, and all things related to our outstanding Cambridge public library system.

As "Friends of the Cambridge Public Library", our purpose is to promote an informed interest in library resources and programs, and to raise funds for the expansion and improvement of services and facilities throughout the public library system.

You can help us! We are always seeking volunteers, financial gifts, and in-kind contributions. For more information on how you can become more involved in our organization, please click here.

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About The Cambridge Public Library

The Cambridge Public Library and its six branches serve as a doorway to opportunity, self-development and recreation for all its residents, and as a forum where they may share ideas, cultures and resources among themselves and with people around the globe. The free availability of information, the lively interaction of people, and the open exchange of ideas animate and extend the democratic mission of the library.

For more information on the library locations, facilities, staff, and programs, click here.